Spindle for machine tools

Details Spindle for machine tools Spindle for machine tools

1999-10-04

2001-01-16

Howell, Daniel W. (Department: 3722)

Gear cutting, milling, or planing

Milling

Cutter spindle or spindle support

C076S101100, C409S233000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06174115

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a machine tool spindle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a machine tool spindle which transmits a high speed rotational force to a tool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In order to increase the cutting speed of machine tools such as machining centers, a high rotational speed is desired for spindles which transmit rotational force to a tool while the tool is held in place. To achieve a high spindle rotational speed requires consideration of items such as lubrication or cooling of the bearing and the dynamic balance of rotating portions, including the spindle. In addition, it is important to increase the static rigidity and fhe dynamic rigidity of the spindle, and to reduce its thermal deformation and inertial force.
In general, all or most parts of the spindle are made of carbon steel or steel alloys. Rapid acceleration and rapid deceleration of high specific gravity steel spindles is limited by large inertial force. Therefore, in order to reduce inertial force, it is desirable to reduce the specific gravity of the spindle with out sacrificing strength.
Machine tool spindles are known in which a ceramic cylindrical body having a tapered inner surface which clamps a tool holder is joined to a steel spindle body. However, the bonding between two parts of differing coefficients of expansion may loosen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a light weight spindle capable of rapid acceleration and rapid deceleration.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a spindle having a small coefficient of expansion and uniformity of expansion.
Other objects of the present invention are partially described in the explanation which follows, and will in part be apparent to practitioners of the art through practice of the invention.
In order to achieve the above and other objectives, a spindle according to the present invention is provided having a through hole capable of holding a part which grasps a tool holder and a tapered inner surface for holding the tool holder, made from a single cylindrical body of ceramic material.
The single cylindrical body preferably is made of silicon nitride ceramic. The single cylindrical body preferably includes a key capable of fitting into a key way in a tool holder.
The spindle thickness is preferably greater than about 0.1 times the outer diameter and longer than about 0.02 times the length.


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